Rafael Benítez warned Chelsea’s senior players last night that they must face up to the prospect of their inevitable departures from Stamford Bridge.

The interim manager praised the contribution of a group of players he described as legends, but said that there would be no room for sentiment when planning the club’s future.

Frank Lampard will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season as Chelsea have chosen not to extend his contract, and the vice-captain could be the first of several high-profile departures. Ashley Cole’s contract also expires in the summer and negotiations over an extension